WITTON Albion footballer Dave Anane has been jailed for dealing heroin and cocaine.

WITTON Albion footballer Dave Anane has been jailed for dealing heroin and cocaine.

The former striker was given a seven-year sentence at Manchester Crown Court on Friday after Judge David Owen told him: 'It is plain you have played a significant role in the drugs trade.

'I bear in mind you have a child confined to a wheelchair, who needs 24-hour care, but criminals bring misery to their own family.

'They should bear that it mind when they commit crime.'

The court heard how Anane, a postman of Heald Green, Manchester, had been 'devastated' when released by Sheffield United as a junior and was forced to play semi-pro soccer.

Anane last played for Witton on October 16. He was remanded to prison on drugs charges shortly after and until the story emerged, Albion officials were told by his partner he had returned to Ghana, his home country.

Anane, 26, had been caught with thousands of pounds worth of hard drugs and his role in the trade has shocked his fellow players.

Club secretary Phil Chadwick said: 'Witton have not been involved in the police investigation at all.

'No-one at the club ever sensed anything might be amiss, so we were all amazed when the story broke.

'But we were saddened, too. He has a beautiful daughter and was happy with his family and job. It is also a loss of a football talent.'

Anane signed for Witton in December 1998 and scored 47 goals in 147 appearances.